King cobras spotted in Kailari

By Avinash Chaudhary,Dhangadhi, Apr. 22: A rare sighting of king cobras has been reported in Kailari. Two king cobras were seen together in the Basanta Corridor forest area of Badka Banuwa, along the border of Kailari Rural Municipality and Bhajani Municipality. 

The snakes were spotted near the Hulaki Highway between Bipatpur and Himmatpur villages.

According to eyewitness Rameet Oli, the pair was seen around 3 pm on Monday. King cobras, one of the most venomous snake species, are rarely found in Kailari.

Snake conservationist and rescuer Laxman Upadhyaya said the sighting coincides with the breeding season. “During this period, male snakes may also be seen together while competing for a female,” he explained. 

“If both were males, they could have been preparing to fight. If they were a male and a female, they were likely mating.” Upadhyaya described the sighting of two king cobras together as extremely rare. “Even I have not witnessed such a scene before,” he said.

According to snake rescuers, king cobras do not usually chase and bite humans unless provoked or handled. However, they pose a high risk, particularly to those attempting rescue.

Experts warned that a bite from a king cobra can be life-threatening and difficult to treat. The species is known to prey on other snakes, helping control venomous snake populations. It typically builds nests from vegetation in forests to lay eggs.